Engine-starter.



V. BENDIX.

ENGINE STARTER.

APPLICATION min APR. 26. 1915.

Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

l l l anism, and Fig. 2 a detail plan UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VINCENT BENDIX, 0E CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

I ENGINE-STARTER.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, VINCENT BENDIX, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Engine-Starters, of which the following is a specification, this application being divisional of an application filed by me on December 30, 1912, Se-. rial No. 739,168.

My invention relates to a starter for an engine, .more particularly a gas engine and the like, characterized by the employment of a screw-shaft operated by a prime mover such as an electric 'motor and a pinion screwthreaded upon the shaft and adapted to travel longitudinally in one direction along the shaft into engagementwith the rotary member of the engine to. be started and to travel longitudinally in the opposite direction after being automatically thrown out of engagement with the engine member when the engine begins to run on itsown power.

The object of my invention is to provide an automatic electric switch controlled by the movements of the pinion whereby after a manually operated switch is operated to start the electric motor, the movement of the pinion will cause the automatic switch to be closed and the operator thereby relieved from further operation of his switch so that only a momentary manual operation is required, and whereby also the circuit is antomatically, broken when the pinion has been retracted a predetermined distance.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of'my device shown in connection with the wheel driven by the engine such as a fly wheel and showing my invention operating in connection with the starting mechview of a portion of the starting mechanismincluding the pinion and screw shaft and illustrating the automatic switch.

Describing the construction shown in the drawing,the engine wheel which is here intended as the fly wheel 1 of a gas engine,is provided on its periphery with teeth 2. The prime mover comprises an electric motor 3 which is here shown as having an extended armature shaft 4 which is in the plane of the engine wheel and in proximity thereto. For a portion of its length this shaft is provided with spiral or screw threads 5 with Original application filed December-30, 1912, Serial No. 739,168. Divided and this 1915. Serial No. 24,028.

application filed April 26,

which cotiperate corresponding threads in the central openin of a pinion 6 adapted to mesh with the teet 2 of the engine wheel.

The construction and arrangement of the screw shaft and pinion are such that the latter is ca able of an advance movement longitudina ly of its shaft upon the initial rotation of such shaft by the electric motor and until the consequent advancement of such pinion'brings the latter into mesh with the engine wheel, whereupon the continued rotations of the shaft rotate the pinion and therebyv rotate and drive the engine wheel.

- As soon as the engine itself starts on its own end of thescrew shaft is provided with a suitable bearing 8 in the end of any suitable support such as a bracket 9 which is here shown secured to the body of the motor.

The motor is provided with two supply circuits, one being manually operated and the o her automatically. The manually controlled circuit comprises the wires 10 and-an interposed manually operated switch shown diagrammatically at 11. In case the device is used in connection with an automobile this switch mav be placed upon the dash or elsewhere within easy reach of the driver. The automatic circuit comprises the wires 12 in which is interposed an automatlc switch including two stationary contacts 13 anda movable connector blade 14. This blade is mounted upon and carried by a which is adapted to beeng'aged by a spring catch 19 whose inner end is slightly inturned so as to .yieldingly engage said am to be advanced whenever the electric motor is operated. However, this catch device is not necessary but may, if desired, bedispensed with.

Describing the operation of my starter, the first step is the closing of the switch 11 by the driver, with the result that the motor 3 is instantly started and its armature shaft 4:, which is also the screw shaft, is rotated. The pinion 6 thereupon moves longitudinally of the shaft into mesh with the engine wheel and when it is fully in mesh, and has reached the end of the threads 5 and abuts against the shoulder 4 it will rotate in unison with the armature shaft and consequently drive or rotate the engine wheel. Inertia of the pinion or friction between it and the yoke 16 should prevent rotation of the pinion until it is in mesh, but a slight rotation thereof before it reaches the engine wheel is immaterial.

Aft-er the starting of the motor by the push button, the movable connector blade 14 will cooperate with the fixed contacts 13 to close the automatic switch so that the driver or operator may now release the manually operated switch, which will breakthe circuit which includes the wires 10, the other circuit now supplying the necessary current to the motor. This condition remains until the engine starts under its own power from the explosions, whereupon the pinion 6 will be withdrawn from mesh with.the engine wheel in the manner hereinbefore' described. At a predetermined point in this longitudinal movement of the pinion the contact between the fixed contacts 13 and movable connector blade 14 is broken and the electric motor will thereupon cease to operate. When the pinion returns to its normal posit1on the spring catch will engage the connector blade .14 and hold the pinion in retracted position.

I claim:

1. A starter for gas engines comprising driving member adapted to cooperate with and drive an engine member, a rotatable member with which said driving member coacts to produce longitudinal travel relative to the rotatable member forautomatically moving such driving member into driving engagement with the engine member whenever the rotatable member is rotated, n electric motor for rotating said rotatable member, means for supplying current to said motor, comprising tw connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other. connection whereby current may first sesame be led to the motor through the manually operated switch and subsequently independently thereof.

2. A starter for gas engines comprising a driving member adapted to cooperate with and drive an engine member, a rotatable member with which said driving member coacts to produce longitudinal travel relative to the rotatable member for automatically moving such driving member into driving engagement with the engine member whenever the rotatable member is rotated, an electric motor whose extended armature shaft constitutes .said rotatable member, means for supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other connection whereby current may first be led to the motor through the manually operated switch and subsequently independently thereof,-said automatic switch being controlled by said driving member in its movements and adapted to be closed when the driving member is in engagement with the engine member. v

3. A starter for engines comprising a screw shaft, a pinion mounted to travel longitudinally thereon and rotarily therewith, an electric motor for rotating. the screw shaft, means for supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other connection whereby current may first be led t the motor through the manually operated switch and subsequently independently thereof, said automatic switch being controlled by said pinion in its travel.-

t. A starter for engines comprising a screw shaft, a pinion mounted to travel longitudinally thereon and revolve therewith, an electric motor for rotating the screw shaft, means for supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other connection whereby current may first be led to the motor through. the manually ios operated switch and subsequently independv ently thereof, said automatic switch consisting of a stationary contact and a. movable connector blade movable in unison with the pinion.

5. A starter for engines comprising a screw shaft, a pinion mounted to travel lon gitudinally thereon and rotarily therewith, an electric motor for rotating the screw shaft, means for. supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a man-.125 ually operated switchin one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other connection whereby current may first be led. to the motor through the manuall operated switch and subsequently indepen ently thereof, said automatic switch consisting of a Stationary contact and a movable thereon for longitudinal and rotary movements and adapted to mesh with an engine member, the rotation of the shaft advancing thepinion and an automatic switch and a manually-operated switch for governing the circuit-supply to the motor, the automatic switch being controlled by the pinion.

7. A self starter for gas engines and the like comprising in combination with a toothed wheel operated by the engine, an electric motor, a screw shaft operated thereby, mean for supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other connection whereby current may first be led to the motor through the manually operated switch and subsequently independently thereof, a driving pinion actuated by the motor and automatically moved into and out of mesh with said wheel by the operations respectively of the screw shaft and the engine, said automatic switch being controlled by the pinion in its movements and adapted to be closed when such pinion is in mesh with the wheel, a plate carried by the pinion and having contacts forming part of the automatic switch, and a means adapted to yieldingly engage the plate when the pinion is in retracted position.

8. A self starter for gas engines and the like comprising, in combination with a toothed wheel operated bythe engine, an electric motor, a screw shaft operated thereby, means for supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically operated switch in the other connection whereby current may first be led to the motor through the manually operated switch and subsequently independently thereof, an automatic switch in the other circuit, a driving pinion actuated by the motor and automatically moved into and out of mesh with said wheel by the operations respectively of the screw shaft and the engine, said automatic switch being controlled by the pinion in its movements and adapted to be closed when such pinion is in mesh with the wheel, a plate carried by the pinion and having contacts forming part of the automatic switch, and a spring hook adapted to engage the plate when the pinion is in retracted position.

9. A. self-starter for gas engines and the like comprising an electric motor, means driven by the motor for driving the engine comprising a member having rotary movesaid. motor comprising ment and a movement of translation to conmot and disconnect the motor and engine, said member being so connected to the motor as to receive rotation and translation therefrom, connections from a source of current to the motor comprising a manually operated switch and electrical connections with said motor comprising an automatic switch controlled by the movement of translation of said member.

10. A self-starter for gas engines comprising a. rotary electric motor, an element rotated by said motor and having a motion of translation into and out of contact with a rotary member of the engine, connections whereby the rotation of the motor drives said element into operative engagement with said member of the engine and the operation of the engine drives said element out of operative connection therewith, amanually controlled connection from a source of current to the motor and a connection from the source of current to the motor comprising an automatic switch which is closed by the movement of said element toward said member of the engine and opened by the reverse movement thereof.

11. A starter for gas engines comprising a driving member adapted to be moved into engagement with and to drive an engine member, an electric motor having an extended armature shaft on which said driving member is mounted, and means for supplying current to said motor comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically oper other connection whereby current may first be led to. the motor through the manuall operated switch and subsequently independ ently thereof.

13. A starter for gas engines comprising an electric motor, a pinion rotated by said motor and having a motion of translation whereby when current is supplied to the motor such pinion is moved into engagement with a rotary member of the engine to be started, and means for supplying current to two connections, a manually operated swltch in one connection and an automatically 0 erated switch in the other connection where by current may first 1 operated switch and subsequently independbe led to the motor through the manually be led to the motor'through the manually ently thereof, said automatic switch consisting of a stationary contact and a movable connector having frictional contact with the pinion and movabletherewith.

15. A starter for engines comprising a screw shaft, a pinion mountedto travel long tudinally thereon and. revolve therewith, an electric motor for rotating the screw shaft, means for supplying current tosaid motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automatically opprated switch in the other connection where y current may first operated switch and subsequently independently thereof, said automatic sw1tch.oonsisting of a stationar contact and a movable connector provide with a strap having frictional contact with thepinion and movable therewith.

16. A starter for engines comprising a screw shaft, a pinion mounted to travel longitudinally thereon and revolve therewith,

.an electric motor, for rotating the screw shaft, means for supplying current to said motor, comprising two connections, a manually operated switch in one connection and an automaticallyv operated switch in the ing of a stationary contact and a movable other connection whereby current may first be led to the motor through'the manuall operated switch and subsequentl independ ently thereof, said automatic sw tch consistconnector provided with a strap having frictional contact with the pinion and movable therewith, said pinion having a circumferential groove with which said strap cooperates.

17. A starter for engines comprising a rotatable screw shaft, apinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith, and means mounted on and movable with the pinion for retarding the rotary movement thereof.

18. A starter for engines comprising a rotatable screw shaft, a pinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith, and means mounted on the'pinion and having frictional engagement therewith for retarding the rotary movement thereof.

19. A starter for engines comprising a rotatable screw haft, a pinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith, and means for exerting a constant-friction upon the pinion for retarding the rotary movement thereof.

r 20. A starter for engines comprising a rotata'ble screw shaft, a pinion screw-threaded. thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith, and a nonrotary member in constant frictional con- 7 tact with the pinion for retarding the rotary movement thereof.

21.- A starter for engines comprising a rdtatable screw shaft, a pinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith, a member in constant frictional contact with the pinion for retarding the rotary movement thereof, and means for preventing rotary movement of said member. v

22. A starter for engmes comprising a rotatable screw. shaft, a pinion, screw threaded thereon for longitudinal movement'thereon and rotary movement therewith} and having a. circumferential groove, and a .nonrotary member received by said groove and imparting frictional resistance to the pinion for retarding the rotary movement thereof.

23. A starter for engmes comprising a rotatable screw shaft, a pinion screw-thread.ed

thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewlith, and having a circumferential groove, a d a non-rotary strap capable of longitudinal'movement and V I engaging said groove to impart frictional resistance to the rotary movement of the pinion. 24. A starter for engmes comprising a reand rotary movement therewith and having at one end an extenslon provided wlth a circumferential oove, and a non-rotary strap capable of ongitudinal movement and engaging said groove to impart frictional resistance "to .the rotary movement of the m1on. V v 25, A starter for engines comprising a rotatable screw shaft, a pinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith, and means "tatable screw shaft, apinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon-- movable longitudinally with the pinion for retarding the rotary movement thereof.

26. A starter for engines comprising a rotatable screw shaft, a pinion screw-threaded thereon for longitudinal movement thereon and rota movement therewith, and means frictional y'engagmg the pinion and mow. able longitudinally therewith for rd1ng 7 its rotary movement. I

27. An engine starter compnsing a. re-

tatable vmember, an: actuating member mounted thereon for romovement there thereof,

the engine to be started, said mechanism including a device adapted to move longitudinally to operatively engage such engine part and to be rotated by the motor to drive such engine part and to be automatically disengaged therefrom when the engine starts on its own power, and said switch including means actuated after the starting of the motor for closing the switch when said del means actuated by vice and engine part ment.

29. In an engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit therefor includin a switch, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arrangedbetween such motor and a part of the engine to be started, said mechanism including a device mounted to operatively engage such engine part to drive the same and to be automatically disengaged therefrom when the engine starts on its own power, and means controlled by said mechanism for closing said switch when said device and enare in driving engagegine part are in driving engagement.

30. in an engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit therefor includin mission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a part of the engine to be started, said mechanism including a device adapted to move longitudinally .to operatively engage such engine part and to be rotated by the motor to drive such engine part and to be automatically disengaged therefrom when the engine starts on its own power, and means controlled by said mechanism for automatically opening the switch and thereb breakin the circuit when said device is so isengage from the engine part.

31. In an engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor, and an electrical circuit therefor includin a switch, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a ear on the machine to be started, said mec anism including a pinion mounted for longitudinal movement to mesh with said gear and for rotary movement to drive such gear to start the engine, said pinion being adapted to be automatically demeshed from the gear when the engine starts on its own power, and

trolling said swi'tc 32. In an engine starter the combination, with an electric motor, an an electrical cira switch, of, a transv gme to he starts said mechanism for cone cuit therefor including a switch, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a gear on the engine to be started, said mechanism including a pinion mounted for longitudinal movement to mesh with said gear and for rotary movement to drive such gear to start the engine, and a screw member on which the pinion is screw-threaded, said pinion being adapted to be automatically demeshed b; screw action on said screw member when the engine starts on its own power, and means actuated by said mechanism for controlling said switch.

33. In an engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit therefor including a switch, of a transmission mechanism drlven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a part of the engine to be started, said mechanism includin a device adapted as a result of the operation of the motor to move longitudinally to operatively engage such engine part and to be rotated by the motor to drive such engine part and to be automatically disengaged therefrom when the engine starts on its own nower, and said switch including an electrical connector adapted to control the same switch and having a yoke connection with said mechanism.

34. In an engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circ'ui-t therefor including a switch, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a part of the engine to be started, said mechanism in cluding a device adapted as a result of the operation of the motor to move longitudr' nally to operatively engage such engine part and to be rotated by the motor to drive such engine part and to be automatically disengaged therefrom when the engine starts on its own power, and said switch having means, including a member having frictional contact with a part of said mechanism, for controlling said switch.

35. In an engine starter, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit including a switch therefor, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a part of the engine to be started and adapted, as a result of the operation of the motor, to be operatively enga ed with a part of the ensaid mechanism including a driving shaft driven by the motor and a member mounted on the shaft for longitudinal movement thereof and rotary movement therewith, and said switch including means connected with said member for controlling the switch to .open and close the circuit.

36. In an englne starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit including a switch therefor, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and the combination,

arranged between such motor and a part of the engine to be started and adapted, as a result of the operation of the motor, to be operatively engaged with a part of the engine to be started, said mechanism including a rotatable screw shaft, a pinion screwthreaded thereon and adapted 'to mesh with said engine part and to be automatically demeshed therefrom by screw action on said shaft, and said switch including means actuated by said mechanism for controlling the switch. I

37. In an' engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit including a-switch therefor, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a part of the engine to be started and adapted, as a result of, the operation of the motor, to be' operatively engaged with a part ofthe engine to be started, said mechanism including a driving shaft driven by the motor and a member mounted on the shaft for longitudinal movement thereof and rotary movement therewith, and means connected with said member for controlling said switch to open and close the circuit, said switch comprism a connector having a yoke connectionwit said device and movable therewith in its said longitudinal movement 38. In ail-engine starter, the combination, with an electric motor and an electrical circuit including a switch therefor, of a transmission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a art of the engine to be started and adapts as a result of the operation of the motor, to be operatively engaged with a part of the engineto be started, said mechanism including a driving shaft driven by the motor and a reserve member mounted on the shaft for longitudinal movement thereof and rotary movement therewith, and means connected with said member for controlling said switch to open and close the circuit, said switch comprising a connector bodily movable with .said device in the longitudinal movement of the latter.

39.- In an engine starter, the combination,

with an electric motor and an electrical cir mission mechanism driven by the motor and arranged between such motor and a partof the engine to be started, said mechanism including a device adapted to move longitudinally to operatively engage such engine part and to be rotated by the motor to drive'such engine part and to be automatically disengaged therefrom when the engine starts on its own power, and combined means holding said device in retracted position and the switch in\open position.

. VINCENT BENDIX.

Witnesses:

S. E. Hmrmv,

,RoBER r DOBBERMAN.

for

.with an electric motor and an electrical circuit therefor including a switch, of a trans- 

